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Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

The right dental care can put a smile on your face, but the cost can be daunting. For some, dental insurance can provide peace of mind. Considering whether dental insurance is right for you? Learn more below.

Reviewed by Patty Caballero

Posted May 05, 2023

Woman smiling

Do I Need Dental Insurance?

Whether you need dental insurance is subjective. It depends on the risk you are willing to take. Like most insurance, its true value shows when things go wrong.

For instance, the average premium for dental insurance is about $360 per year.1 Dental cleanings average $125 each, though they can range from $75 to $200. If you only get one or two dental cleanings a year and shop around for lower prices, dental insurance may not “pay off." But what if during your cleaning, the hygienist or your dentist finds cavities, periodontal disease, or other problems that need to be addressed? Dental care can get awfully expensive and dental insurance can help lighten the blow to your wallet.

How Much Does Dental Care Cost?

Dental care costs can vary widely based on where you live and your dental needs. Dental care can range from a simple cleaning and routine X-rays to more serious dental treatments like a tooth extractionroot canal, or bridge. See the chart below for some typical cost ranges.

Service Average Cost2

Teeth Cleaning

$70 to $200

X-Rays

$20 to $250

Cavity Filling

$50 to $450

Tooth Extraction

$75 to $650

Root Canal

$300 to $2,000

Crowns

$500 to $3,000 per tooth

Dental Bridge

$1,000 to $12,000

Cosmetic Tooth Bleaching

$100

Veneers

$1,300 per tooth

Cosmetic dental care like teeth whitening or veneers are usually not covered by insurance, so, even if you have insurance, you may have to pay these costs yourself. For care for a dental health issue, insurance can help pay the bills.

What Types of Dental Plans Are Available?

Dental insurance companies generally offer three distinct types of dental plans: Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), and Dental Discount Savings Plans (also known as a Dental Savings Plans). Here are some basics about each.

  Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) Dental Discount or Dental Savings Plan

Cost

Generally cheaper premiums and lower copayments.

Higher premiums and copayments. May include a deductible you must meet before insurance pays its portion.

Pay an annual amount for discounts from a panel of participating dentists. Pay dentists directly.

Deductibles

Deductible averages $50 for individual, $150 for a family

Usually no deductible

No deductible

Network

More limited network of dentists.

Larger network of dentists.

Smaller network of dentists

 

In-network care provided for reduced or no cost, but no coverage for out-of-network care.

In-network care provided for reduced cost; may offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network care.

Get care only from participating dentists

Referral

Requires referral from primary dentist to receive specialist care.

Does not require referrals for specialist care.

Does not require referrals for specialist care.

Annual Maximum Benefit

No annual maximum cost restrictions for care, but there may be limitations on how many services or tests you may receive.

May have annual maximum restrictions of $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

No annual maximum.

So, which dental insurance plan is best for you? This might depend on your current medical history. If your oral health is generally good, and you do not mind choosing a dentist from within the network, you may choose a DHMO. If you would like the option of seeing an out-of-network dentist (at a higher cost to you), or do not want to seek a referral to see a specialist, such as a periodontist or oral surgeon, a PPO may be a better option. If you would rather simply pay a discounted rate and do not mind being limited by the dentists you can choose, a Dental Savings Plan could be right for you.

If you are a Medicare or Medicaid member, be aware that in most cases dental procedures are not covered. Medicare will usually only cover dental care in the case of emergency or if the care is included with another medically necessary procedure.3However, some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans offer dental coverage.

How Can I Save on Dental Costs?

There are resources you can use to find quality dental care for a low or reduced cost. For instance:

  • Your Dentist's Office. Ask about dental payment plan options or healthcare bundles that cover the cost of cleaning and X-rays for a year. Some dentists may be willing to treat patients with lower incomes for free.
  • Dental Schools. Dental schools may offer lower-cost care to attract patients for dental students to learn and practice on. All students are usually supervised by professional, experienced dentists when treating patients
  • Free Local Clinics. Ask your local health department if there are any clinics or non-profit organizations that offer free or low-cost dental care in your area. “Pop-up" clinics sometimes offer free care over a specific weekend, or mobile dental vans may serve your area. An internet search should help you find what is available.
  • The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you have children without health insurance, CHIP provides medical and, in most cases, dental coverage for children up to the age of 19. Find out what your state offers here.

CareCredit Financing For Dental Care

Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures, and other costs that insurance doesn't cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Our Expert Reviewer

Patty Caballero and her team of consultants together have more than 35 years of health insurance knowledge working for some of the biggest health insurance companies in the US. She has knowledge in building brands and strategic initiatives to help consumers better understand their health benefits.

* Subject to credit approval.

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony") does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. All statements and opinions in this article are the sole opinions of the reviewer. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

© 2023 Synchrony Bank.

Sources:

Is Dental Insurance Worth It, Money Under 30, https://www.moneyunder30.com/is-dental-insurance-worth-it. Accessed Oct. 28, 2022

2“How Much Does Dental Work Cost?" CostHelper, CostHelper, Inc. https://health.costhelper.com/dentistry.html. Accessed Oct. 28, 2022

3 “Medicare Dental Coverage," CMS.gov, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services. Accessed Oct. 28, 2022